Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

पावकं पवमानं च शुचिरग्निश्च यः स्मृतः निर्मथ्यः पवमानो ऽग्निर् वैद्युतः पावकात्मजः //

Transliteration

pāvakaṃ pavamānaṃ ca śuciragniśca yaḥ smṛtaḥ nirmathyaḥ pavamāno 'gnir vaidyutaḥ pāvakātmajaḥ //

Translation

He is remembered as Pāvaka, as Pavamāna, and as Śuci-Agni, the pure Fire. The fire produced by churning (nirmanthya) is called Pavamāna, while the lightning-born fire (vaidyuta) is said to be the son of Pāvaka.

Word by Word

• pāvakam: Pāvaka (a name/class of fire)

• pavamānam: Pavamāna (a name/class of fire)

• ca: and

• śuciḥ agniḥ: the pure fire / Śuci-Agni

• yaḥ: who/which

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/known

• nirmathyaḥ: produced by churning (arani)

• pavamānaḥ agniḥ: the Pavamāna fire

• vaidyutaḥ: born of lightning/electric fire

• pāvaka-ātmajaḥ: son of Pāvaka / sprung from Pāvaka

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu), describing ritual/technical classifications of Agni

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Pāvaka
• Pavamāna
• Śuci (Śuci-Agni)

Tags

• Agni
• Ritual
• Vedic fire
• Vastuvidya
• Purification

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It does not discuss Pralaya directly; it classifies manifestations of Agni—especially churning-born and lightning-born fire—used in sacred contexts that uphold cosmic order (ṛta).

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It supports dharma through correct ritual practice: a king or householder who sponsors yajña, consecrations, or domestic rites must employ properly generated and understood fires (e.g., arani-churned fire) to ensure purity and efficacy.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it distinguishes the legitimate sources/forms of sacred fire—especially the nirmathya (churned) fire—commonly required for consecration, purification, and temple/altar rites described in Vastu and ritual manuals.